What happens:
* Osmosis: Prune are dried plums, meaning they have a high concentration of dissolved sugars and other solutes. When placed in water, the water molecules will move from an area of high concentration (the water) to an area of low concentration (inside the prune) to try and equalize the concentration. This process is called osmosis.
* Expansion: As water enters the prune, it will swell and become plumper. The water molecules will rehydrate the prune, filling the spaces between the cells and making it more firm.
* Time: The amount of time it takes for the prune to plump up depends on the temperature of the water, the size of the prune, and the concentration of the water. Generally, it will take a few hours to several hours for a prune to fully rehydrate.
Note:
* Saltwater: If the water is salty, it will have a higher concentration of solutes than the prune. This would cause water to move *out* of the prune, leading to dehydration and shrinkage.
* Other solutions: The same principles apply to other solutions. If the solution has a higher concentration of solutes than the prune, water will move out. If the solution has a lower concentration of solutes, water will move in.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
